Rudimentary (black) shoe quesion.

[JonnyD]

Hello all. I'm a new poster who began consulting the forum just before The Crash- everyone seems very cool and helpful! I'm in need of a black balmoral shoe (I own 1 brown dress and 0 black). My budget is ~$300.00, and I'm looking to wear the shoes with suits or dark trousers. For many years. I've found these two Allen-Edmonds models at Nordstrom:

http://store.nordstrom.com/product/p...tyleID=2766604


http://store.nordstrom.com/product/p...tyleID=2873240

Anyone have an opinion or model/brand suggestions for a good basic shoe? If I needed to wear the shoes with a formal (tuxedo jacket) getup on infrequent occasion should I stick to plain cap-toes? Making the most out of this purchase is my goal.

Thanks!
Jon

 

[jcusey]

I like both of the models that you link to, and given your budget, you could do far worse than to buy an Allen-Edmonds shoe. However, if you want to be able to wear these shoes with a tuxedo, I would urge you to do for a plain-toe balmoral model, such as these from Alden:

 

[JonnyD]

Thank you. A store near me stocks that model; and if a starlet invites me to the Oscars next year I will be covered.

 

[jml90]

Originally Posted by JonnyD

Thank you. A store near me stocks that model; and if a starlet invites me to the Oscars next year I will be covered.
Why you could just wear brouges

On a serious note I like the Allen Edmonds Park Avenue, Hastings, and Westgate.

 

[JLibourel]

I have heard that Allen-Edmonds is going to introduce a plain-toe bal similar to the Alden offering in their fall lineup. Should be somewhat less expensive than its Alden counterpart.

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by JLibourel

I have heard that Allen-Edmonds is going to introduce a plain-toe bal similar to the Alden offering in their fall lineup. Should be somewhat less expensive than its Alden counterpart.

I like the sound of that, and would be quite tempted to pick it up.